We Are Currently Hiring
We are currently hiring for 3 different positions. For qualifications, skills, requirements, and how to apply, please review the positions below.
Job Description: Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor
Position type: Non-exempt, Full time
Salary range: $21-$25/hr. DOE (Eligible for Benefits)
Location: In-Office – Housing Solutions for the Southwest, not remote
Mission and Vision Statement/History
Housing Solutions for the Southwest is a not-for-profit housing agency serving Southwest Colorado. Originally incorporated in 1981 as a community action agency, Housing Solutions currently focuses on housing needs as the cost of housing has exponentially outpaced the average wage in the region. The mission of Housing Solutions is “to lead the way in providing help, hope, and a seamless system of affordable housing services to our communities in Southwest Colorado.”
Position Summary:
The Housing Solutions Homeless Prevention Team is developing a more comprehensive system of resources, including counseling and financial assistance, for individuals and families, particularly local employees who are experiencing housing and financial instability. As part of the Homeless Prevention team, the Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor provides one on one housing and basic budgeting counseling. The goal of the counseling is to address underlying issues contributing to housing and financial instability including health and behavioral health, education, and employment. The Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor will provide basic budget management, and connection to community resources. The participant, together with the Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor, develop a housing stability plan.
The Homeless Prevention Housing Counselor is also responsible for managing the Community Emergency Assistance Coalition (CEAC) program. The CEAC Program is a community funded initiative that provides one-time emergency financial assistance and resource navigation to households experiencing an acute financial crisis in La Plata and San Juan Counties. Reports to the Programs Director.
Essential Job Functions:
CEAC responsibilities:
- Screens applicants for program eligibility
- Provides one on one counseling in compliance with HUD’s Housing Counseling regulations and CEAC program criteria
- Explores resources tailored to each client’s unique circumstances to support financial stability
- Reviews financial resources and household expenses to assist the applicant to establish a sustainable monthly budget
- Create a client action plan
- Facilitates weekly CEAC meetings
- Prepares and distributes CEAC meeting notes and creates check requests for approved financial assistance
- Works with Programs Director to coordinate annual CEAC board meeting
- Works with the Programs Director to develop CEAC program MOUs for partners
- Maintains client records to ensure compliance with HUD Housing Counseling funding standards
- Ensures quality data collection and enters data into the CAP60 database,
- Schedules follow-up meetings with clients in need of more comprehensive support
Other:
- Serves as the primary back-up for the Intake Coordinator, including covering the front desk role
- Assists Programs Director with grant applications and fundraising activities
- Collaborates with other community partners and Housing Solutions staff to address the needs of people experiencing housing instability and homelessness
- Engages in outreach efforts and represents Housing Solutions at community events as assigned
Skills and Qualifications
- Financial literacy
- Understanding of Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and ability to assist people in high stress situations with empathy
- Experience working with culturally and economically diverse groups
- Maintain clear, professional boundaries
- Communicate effectively with program participants, colleagues, management, and partners
- Foster a positive and productive work environment
- Proficiency in software applications including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook and the ability to learn new data entry programs quickly and independently
- Effective organizational, record keeping and case note documentation skills
- Excellent time management, independent judgement, self-direction, and multi-tasking skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Education and Experience
BA or BS Degree and 1 year of experience in direct services in a human services. Will substitute, relevant years of experience and training, for degree
- HUD Housing Counselor Certification and experience preferred, candidates that are not certified will be considered but must obtain certification during first 3 months of employment
- Financial literacy coaching or training experience preferred
- Bi-lingual applicants (Spanish and English) preferred
- Valid Driver’s License
How to apply: We encourage applicants from all diverse backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
Resume and cover letter are required for consideration. Please send to both: nschaufele@gmail.com and careers@swhousingsolutions.com.
References: Candidates selected for an interview must provide two references from a direct supervisor.
Life Skills Coach
The Life Skills Coach will provide direct services to residents at Espero Apartments as part of the SWSHE pilot program. The Life Skills Coach will participate in the delivery of the Housing Solutions SWSHE Provider Work Plan to provide additional supportive and life skills services to the Espero SWSHE resident participants. As a member of a larger team, the Life Skills Coach will coordinate closely with program staff to connect households with appropriate resources to promote housing stability.
Reports to: Housing Solutions Service Coordinator
Position type: Non-exempt, TBD, up to 32 hrs./wk.
Type: regular employee, eligible for benefits
Salary range: $18 – $23 DOE
Revised: 1/19/23
Desired Start Date: ASAP
Mission and Vision Statement/History
Housing Solutions for the Southwest is a not-for-profit housing agency serving Southwest Colorado. Originally incorporated in 1981 as a community action agency, Housing Solutions currently focuses on housing needs as the cost of housing has exponentially outpaced the average wage in the region. The mission of Housing Solutions is “to lead the way in providing help, hope, and a seamless system of affordable housing services to our communities in Southwest Colorado.”
Position Summary
This position will be stationed at the front desk at Espero Apartments. Duties include frequent provision of one-on-one supportive service engagement, life skills coaching, and crisis/conflict management. The Life Skills Coach will assist with the development of individual housing stability plans and provide ongoing support services to help residents achieve their goals to maintain housing, including in-home assistance with household cleaning. When not engaged in one-on-one supportive services, the Life Skills Coach will provide a welcoming and courteous physical presence at the front desk at Espero Apartments, ensuring visitor compliance and responding to resident questions and concerns. While providing coverage at the front desk, the Life Skills Coach will complete daily communication log entries, review security camera footage as needed, perform data entry for the SWSHE participant services provided, and respond to emergencies as outlined in the Espero front desk policies and procedures manual.
Essential Job Functions
- Provide a courteous, physical presence at the front desk at Espero Apartments in a manner that builds trust in the community.
- Assist with the deliverables as defined in Housing Solutions SWSHE Provider Work Plan
- Develop individual Housing Stability Plans with SWSHE participants at Espero Apartments
- Provide direct supportive services to participants at Espero Apartments (i.e., budgeting, and financial planning, coaching for interviews and landlord visits, conflict resolution/ mediation training, cooking/ meal preparation education, and other tenancy support services)
- Training and assisting with housekeeping for residents.
- Provide guidance and support to participants at Espero Apartments in developing S.M.A.R.T.S. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Timely, and Strengths Based) goals to increase their quality of life and promote housing stability.
- Track service participation and other relevant data elements for the SWSHE grant
- Complete monthly SWSHE participant services reports
- Expand community partnerships that will enrich the lives of residents at Espero.
- Support residents with compliance with their lease
- Report lease violations to the Property Manager
- Respond to residents’ questions or concerns, working with the Property Manager and Espero Support Service Team as needed.
- Monitor security cameras on the computer at the front desk.
- Keep Communications Log current, informative and professional. Complete incident and other reports as needed.
- Monitor visitors to the building as per the Espero visitor policy including requesting ID from visitors, requiring visitors to sign in and sign out, and requiring that residents meet visitors at the front door and remain with visitors at all times.
- Attend staff meetings and meetings with supervisors as requested.
Qualifications Summary
- Have an understanding, appreciation, and commitment to the mission and philosophy of the Permanent Supportive Housing model.
- Excellent customer service skills and ability to multi-task
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Skilled in conflict mediation, de-escalation, and negotiation
- Ability to demonstrate clear, professional boundaries.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Understanding and compassion for very low-income individuals transitioning out of homelessness
- Knowledge and experience in crisis prevention, intervention, and resolution techniques and the ability to match techniques to resident needs.
Education and Experience
- Related college degree and/or human service agency, affordable housing industry experience preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Must be able to work with culturally and economically diverse staff and clientele.
- Proficient with technology
- Ability to work independently and in a fast-paced environment.
- The belief that housing is a human right, the understanding that many barriers exist for community members to successfully navigate housing and supportive services resources, and the desire to help decrease those barriers.
- Must be able to work physically at Espero. This position is not set up for remote work.
How to apply: We encourage applicants from all diverse backgrounds to apply. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
References: Provide two references, one from a supervisor
Resume and cover letter are required for consideration. Please send to: careers@swhousingsolutions.com
AmeriCorps Position – Supportive Programming Specialist
Program Overview: Led by the United Way of SWCO (UWSWC), Team UP AmeriCorps places AmeriCorps members at organizations throughout Southwest Colorado. Through collaborative service, Team UP AmeriCorps members develop their own professional skills and passions, expand effectiveness of southwest Colorado organizations, and ultimately support people to thrive. Team UP has been utilizing collective impact initiatives since 2015 to collaborate across sectors and promote communication towards common goals within rural Southwest Colorado communities. Team UP AmeriCorps members provide direct service to improve outcomes in Education, Economic Opportunity & Healthy Futures. AmeriCorps, often referred to as the “domestic Peace Corps,” provides opportunities to improve lives and foster civic engagement all across the country.
Housing Solutions for the Southwest (HSSW) is a nonprofit based in Durango, Colorado focused on affordable housing programs and building housing stability in our communities. HSSW’s participation in the Team UP AmeriCorps program is an effort to expand the services offered to residents in our permanent supportive housing program at Espero apartments and Statewide Supportive Housing Expansion Pilot Project.
Service Position Summary: The Supportive Programming Specialist will expand supportive services for tenants at Espero apartments and Emergency Housing Voucher program participants through the Statewide Supportive Housing Expansion Pilot Project (SWSHE). The member will provide direct services to Espero residents and people exiting homelessness and transitioning into housing. The member will identify tenancy-sustaining services for individuals with complex needs and work with program staff to find new and creative ways to deliver needed services.
Duties and Responsibilities: Through hands-on-service, Team UP AmeriCorps members engage with organizations to develop, implement, and enhance programs, projects, and activities that develop their own skills, expand effectiveness of southwest Colorado organizations, and support local people to thrive. These duties include:
- Provide direct service to people experiencing homelessness, including assessment, support, application assistance, and connections with additional community resources
- Plan and facilitate recreation and socialization opportunities for Espero tenants and SWSHE participants
- Engage Espero residents and SWSHE participants in volunteer opportunities
Provide basic technological assistance to support Espero residents and SWSHE participants - Assess tenancy-sustaining services and identify gaps
- Develop new and creative ways to fill gaps and deliver supportive services to Espero residents and SWSHE participants
- Track host site and AmeriCorps data
- Attend Team UP AmeriCorps regional trainings, cohort connection days, and Days of Service
Physical, Emotional, and Intellectual Demands:
- Willingness to learn, adapt, and grow in a position
- Ability to serve independently, take initiative, and be motivated by the projects they are doing
- Compassion and awareness: self-awareness, awareness of cultural differences, social differences and understanding of implicit bias
- Strong commitment to justice, equity, diversity and inclusion
Desired Qualifications:
- Ethic of national and community service and a strong desire to create positive change
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; computer literate
- High School Graduate required (GED accepted,) college graduate or equivalent work experience preferred
- Ability to pass criminal history check
- Reliable transportation & proof of auto insurance
- U.S. Citizenship or lawful permanent resident status required
- Individuals with lived experience are encouraged to apply
Term of Service – Time Commitment: This is a Half-Time national and community service position requiring, at a minimum, a total of 900 hours during the year (approximately 20 hours/week.) The position begins September 7, 2023 and ends August 31, 2024. Flexible hours are required, including occasional evening and weekend commitments. Service on the following dates is required (note that\Days of Service dates are subject to change):
- September 7-8: Team UP AmeriCorps Member Orientation
- September 11-12: Host Site Orientation
- Jan. 16th : MLK Jr. Day of Service Event
- March/April TBD: Cesar Chavez Day of Service Event
- Jan. 16th : MLK Jr. Day of Service Event
- March/April TBD: Cesar Chavez Day of Service Event
Training and Support Provided: Team UP AmeriCorps members receive significant training and experience in community engagement, project implementation, leadership, diverse populations, and more. Up to 20% of total hours served may be spent in applicable, approved trainings. Members will be supervised and supported by HSSW’s Espero Program Manager Kelsey Schumacher (kschumacher@swhousingsolutions.com), as well as by Team UP AmeriCorps program staff. The PY 23-24 cohort of Team UP AmeriCorps members serving throughout the region will act as additional resources and support for each other.
Location and Service Conditions: This position is based at Espero Apartments. Additional other off-site engagement and partnership activities may be required.
Benefits:
- A living allowance of approx. $1,014.75/month. Taxes are deducted and the living allowance is distributed by direct deposit to the member’s bank account twice monthly.
- An education award of $3,447.50 upon successful completion of term of service.
- Health Insurance
- Childcare Assistance, if qualifications are met
- It is possible to temporarily postpone repayment of qualified student loans through forbearance while serving as an AmeriCorps member
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to required AmeriCorps trainings, events, and days of service
- Non-tangible benefits including extensive training, valuable experience, networking, and the opportunity to serve the local community in a crucial area of need
Diversity and Equal Opportunity: United Way values the diversity of our community. In principle and in practice the diverse nature of our board, staff, and volunteers is recognized as one of our best assets. We respect each individual’s unique gifts and prohibit unfair or discriminatory practices against anyone because of age, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, gender, sexual orientation, and any other protected category.
To Apply:
Step 1. Email a cover letter and resume to Team UP AmeriCorps Coordinator Lindsay Luttrell @ LindsayL@unitedway-swco.org. Be sure to indicate which position(s) you are interested in.
Step 2. Create an account on myAmeriCorps.gov and submit an application for the https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=118408
Please complete BOTH steps to apply.
_________________________________________________________________________________
Reach out and contact us and we will get back with you soon.
Hours (by appointment)
8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, Monday – Thursday
phone
970-259-1086 Fax: 970-259-2037
housing@swhousingsolutions.com